So the psicrystal is no use for a sorcerer or wizard just a manifester class, but swapping the familiar for a animal companion is good

Animal Companions do gain HD though. If Netbook of Feats is open, there's a feat that allows the familiar to gain the benefit of it's masters feats.

Any idea what that feat is called?

"Familiar feat merge" from Netbook of Feats. If it's allowed, it can be combined with Improved Familiar and Extra Familiar(xY) for hilarious fun, giving yourself a literal pack of wolves with same exact abilities. Like Improved Grapple or something.

Wow just think if you were around 9th level you could have the leadership feat and then have 2 characters with same abilities and simply walk around with an army.